First Impressions of Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade
The Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade promises a seamless upgrade for Kimber 1911 owners seeking improved adjustability and enhanced visibility, particularly in low-light conditions with its tritium options. Kensight is a well-regarded name in the firearms sight industry, known for producing durable and precise components. This set aims to replace the factory adjustable sights on Kimber 1911s, offering a rounded, serrated blade for a clearer sight picture, and the option of tritium inserts for night shooting capability.
I’ve been working on improving the accuracy and low-light performance of my Kimber Custom II for years. I wanted a direct replacement sight that wouldn’t require extensive gunsmithing and would give me both adjustability and tritium illumination.
Upon unboxing, the sights felt solid and well-machined. The 4140 chrome-moly steel construction immediately instilled confidence in their durability. Compared to the factory sights, these felt more substantial and the serrated blade looked like it would offer a clearer sight picture, minimizing glare.
I considered other options, like LPA sights, but their dimensions seemed slightly off for the Kimber dovetail cut. The Kensight specifically targeted the Kimber adjustable sight dovetail, making it the most appealing choice for a drop-in replacement with minimal fitting. My initial impression was positive – these sights appeared to be a well-made, thoughtfully designed upgrade. I was excited to install them and see how they performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing ground was the local outdoor range, under varying lighting conditions from bright sunlight to overcast skies. I installed the Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade on my Kimber Custom II 1911. Installation required some minor fitting, as expected, but was manageable with a sight pusher tool and some fine files.
The sights performed admirably, providing a much clearer sight picture than the factory sights. Adjusting the sights for windage and elevation was straightforward, allowing me to quickly zero in on my target at 15 yards. The rounded, serrated blade cut down on glare, even in direct sunlight, and the tritium inserts provided a distinct glow in the low-light conditions of the indoor range.
Initially, I was impressed with the improved accuracy and visibility. However, I did notice a slight snagging issue with the rear sight on my clothing during drawing from concealment, which needed addressing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. The sights have held their zero consistently, even after hundreds of rounds fired. The 4140 chrome-moly steel has shown no signs of wear or corrosion, attesting to its durability.
Maintaining the sights is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is sufficient. Compared to my previous sight setup, the Kensight provides a superior combination of adjustability, visibility, and ruggedness. The snagging issue I initially encountered was resolved with some careful filing and polishing of the sight edges. These sights have not disappointed, and they have significantly improved my shooting experience with my Kimber 1911.
Breaking Down the Features of Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade
Specifications
- Material: Constructed from 4140 chrome-moly steel, providing exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear. This robust material ensures the sights can withstand the rigors of regular use and maintain their accuracy over time.
- Fit: Designed as a direct replacement for Kimber 1911s with factory adjustable sights. The drop-in fit minimizes the need for extensive gunsmithing, making it a user-friendly upgrade.
- Blade Style: Features a rounded, fully serrated blade for enhanced sight picture. The serrations reduce glare and provide a crisp, clear aiming point.
- Tritium Option: Available with Trijicon green or yellow tritium lamps for superior low-light visibility. The tritium inserts provide a constant glow, ensuring quick target acquisition in dark environments.
- Sight Body Dimensions: Measures 1.426″ x 0.71″ x 0.432″, providing a substantial and stable platform. These dimensions offer a good balance between size and unobtrusiveness.
- Blade Notch Dimensions: Features a 0.115″ x 0.090″ notch, allowing for precise aiming. This notch size is well-suited for a variety of shooting styles and distances.
- Front Sight Compatibility: Compatible with standard Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts (0.330″ x 65 x 0.075″). This compatibility allows for pairing with a wide range of aftermarket front sights.
Performance & Functionality
The Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade excels in providing enhanced accuracy and visibility for Kimber 1911 pistols. The adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing, ensuring consistent shot placement at various distances. The serrated blade effectively minimizes glare, improving sight picture clarity in bright lighting conditions.
The optional tritium inserts offer a significant advantage in low-light scenarios, enabling rapid target acquisition. The sights are robust and reliable, maintaining their zero even after prolonged use and exposure to different environmental conditions. While the initial installation may require some minor fitting, the overall performance and functionality of these sights are exceptional.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kensight set boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics. The 4140 chrome-moly steel construction gives the sights a solid, weighty feel, instilling confidence in their durability. The rounded blade profile is comfortable to the eye and minimizes snagging, although some minor polishing may be required for optimal concealment.
The sight adjustments are precise and easy to use, allowing for quick and accurate zeroing. While there is a slight learning curve associated with adjusting adjustable sights, the Kensight design is intuitive and user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade is built to last, thanks to its 4140 chrome-moly steel construction. The material is highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and impact, ensuring the sights can withstand the rigors of regular use. With proper care and maintenance, these sights should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the sights is straightforward; simply wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use to prevent corrosion. The tritium inserts are self-illuminating and do not require any special maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade is designed to be compatible with standard Novak-type front sight dovetail cuts. This allows users to pair the rear sight with a wide variety of aftermarket front sights, including fiber optic and tritium options. The set also allows end-users to buy the set without tritium installed.
No other accessories are included with the sight set. However, the compatibility with standard front sight dovetails provides ample customization opportunities. The pairing with Kensight’s own ProGlo tritium night sight is an attractive upgrade to the rear sight.
Pros and Cons of Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade
Pros
- Enhanced Accuracy: The adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing, improving overall shooting accuracy.
- Improved Visibility: The serrated blade reduces glare, while the tritium option provides excellent low-light visibility.
- Durable Construction: Made from 4140 chrome-moly steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
- Drop-In Replacement: Designed as a direct replacement for Kimber 1911s with factory adjustable sights, simplifying installation.
- Customization Options: Compatible with standard Novak-type front sights, allowing for a variety of customization choices.
Cons
- Minor Fitting Required: Some minor fitting may be necessary during installation, requiring some mechanical skill or professional assistance.
- Potential Snagging: The rear sight may snag on clothing during drawing from concealment if not properly smoothed and polished.
Who Should Buy Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade?
The Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade is perfect for Kimber 1911 owners looking to enhance their pistol’s accuracy and low-light performance. This is an ideal upgrade for competition shooters, law enforcement personnel, and anyone who relies on their 1911 for self-defense.
This product is not recommended for those who are uncomfortable with minor gunsmithing tasks, as some fitting may be required. Also, those seeking a completely snag-free sight profile may want to consider alternative options.
A sight pusher tool is a must-have accessory for installing these sights without damaging them or the slide. A set of fine files and polishing stones is also recommended for achieving a smooth, snag-free profile.
Conclusion on Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade
The Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade is a well-designed and durable upgrade for Kimber 1911 pistols. The enhanced accuracy, improved visibility, and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. While some minor fitting may be required, the overall benefits of these sights far outweigh the challenges.
The price of $203.82 is justified given the quality of materials, the precision of manufacturing, and the enhanced performance these sights provide. I would personally recommend the Kensight Kimber Adjustable Sight Set w/Rounded Blade to anyone seeking to improve their Kimber 1911’s sighting system. Upgrade your Kimber 1911 today and experience the difference!